Suzuki V-Strom 800 DE vs RE Comparison Review |

[@tojj29]

Suzies have come on nicely with their new bikes. Like those 800's, shame they've discontinued the 650 though.

[@HippoDrones]

Yeah, I am glad the SV650 is still about, but the new 800 engine is an absolute peach!

[@CaptainCrankyMotovlogger]

I like the idea of just riding and going through what you're experiencing and noticing as a form of review. Surprised at the weight of the bike, there's things not great about my bike (17" front mostly) but I love how it's only 195Kg wet :) Enjoyed that Pete, cheers!

[@HippoDrones]

Cheers David. A taller person like yourself would have less issue with the weight as it hides it well... however with my short legs, it'd be a bit much on the trails for me.

[@exeterrider]

Loved that.... Great job. I havent tried the RE but the DE was superb, I really liked it . I'll have to try the other now. Good job Pete 🎉 thanks

[@HippoDrones]

It surprised me how much I preferred it

[@exeterrider]

@@HippoDrones makes sense tbh, I've been in the same situation with road and adv bikes.... Made me think about the africa twin with the 19 inch front now 💭💭🤔

[@HippoDrones]

@@exeterrider ooh noiceee 😀

[@anthonydonnelly8419]

The seat does for me on so many of theses types of bike. Good to see the brief reviews. I tried a Royal Enfield 650 Shotgun the other day. Impressed

[@HippoDrones]

I must have been riding bikes that are uncomfortable and not realised, this was night and day better... more comfortable than any bike I think I have ever ridden!

[@anthonydonnelly8419]

@@HippoDrones that's quite an accolade

[@HippoDrones]

@@anthonydonnelly8419 🙂

[@economicalrides]

Hi Pete, I really must try to get a go on any of the Suzuki 800s. I think I'd really enjoy that engine, sounds like just my cup of tea ! It would be the RE for me too. I have the Himalayan for dropping off-road 😂 That RE with a proper touring screen on it would be a fantastic touring bike for sensible money. Imagine sitting on that, behind a working screen at 70 mph all day. I think it would be no hardship at all ! A very sensible choice for touring, as long as you can find a screen that actually works well for you. It may well end up looking hideous, but if it works, it wouldn't bother me ! Interesting comparison Pete and the RE would definitely be on my list if I was in a position to do some longer motorcycle trips. Shame it's not available in yellow with gold rims though ! Thanks Pete, Garry & Ruby

[@HippoDrones]

They are both cracking bikes, and yup... sometimes function over form is best... although I have never really liked adding massive screens to bikes.

[@economicalrides]

@@HippoDrones Pretty sure that the only reason all OEM screens are shite, despite the millions the manufacturers spend on developing their new models, is because an effective screen would ruin the looks of the bike and potentially negatively impact sales. Hence we all end up paying for screens that don't actually work and have to bin them and find and pay extra for a third party option that does work. All seems a bit daft to me. Just leave the screen off the bike and offer three different screens as optional accessories, one or two of which may be ugly but at least guaranteed to work. Much more effective. Less cost. Less wastage. One day, when I rule the world, this is on my list of things I will sort out ! And yes, it's a LONG list ! 😂 Cheers Pete, Garry & Ruby

[@HippoDrones]

@@economicalrides Hahaha... they should do that with exhaust pipes too, and a low or high seat should not be a pay extra for option

[@economicalrides]

@@HippoDrones 👍🏻 Good thinking ! Just added to the list ! 😉

[@HippoDrones]

@@economicalrides 😁

[@markfortin8286]

Very nice overview on the P-Strom, er make that V-Strom, models! 😄 It really is a shame they don’t have the road focused one in the yellow, that is a looker. Although I don’t think we got that one here in the US. You guys always get better color options than us!

[@HippoDrones]

Haha, yeah odd they stuck with VStrom 🤣 You say that about colours, I think you lot get the GSX 8R in yellow while we don't... so swings and roundabouts 😁

[@BigDaveTALKS]

I was really considering the DE before the dealer called me and let me know they got a T7 in. Like the T7, the DE just needs a few mods to get it to really handle some off road stuff. I'm still happy with the T7 over the DE and mainly to it's simplicity. Yes, I do agree the manufacturers need to liven up the color schemes. While they look good they could use a little more WOW-ness. Fun day of riding right there. It really amazes me how far the manufacturers have come in the past 4 years in the ADV bike sector. It can actually get quite confusing for the new riders looking to get in to the ADV world. As far as Traction Control and ABS goes, I think KTM nailed it. Once I set it and the ABS it doesn't change. The funny thing is, the cruise control will NOT work when you have the rear ABS turned off on my 1290. When I first got the bike I thought I already had an electronic issue😆. NOPE user error.

[@HippoDrones]

I really liked the DE, and yup... with a few mods it could be an absolute weapon on trail... but is still quite heavy and being not too far off the same height as my Tuareg... that makes it just a tad too much for me and my short legs... if I was taller though... I could really see me on one as I loved how comfy it was, and it looks amazing in yellow. It is mega confusing for new "ADV" riders, so much choice... my advice to them is to find out exactly what type of riding they are really going to be doing... a T7/Tuareg 660 is great if wanting to mainly trail ride, but if 90% of the riding is on tarmac, then bikes like the DE and RE to be honest, are great choices. Ahh that is interesting, not sure if I have tried putting the CC on with my ABS disabled!

[@geecee4746]

I got a spin on the de, and really liked it, suspension is fantastic, really comfy, couldn't really fault it, must get spin on the re, the warranty on the suzukis is great, other manufacturers take note, think my next bike will be either the de or re🏍️🏍️🏍️

[@HippoDrones]

If I had a longer leg, I could be mega tempted by the DE as a replacement for my Tuareg... it wouldn't be as capable in the dirt, but I think it is a better allrounder.

[@geecee4746]

@@HippoDrones ive never had the privilege of a spin on the 660 tuareg, but i have the 660 rs, and its a real diamond

[@HippoDrones]

@@geecee4746 I've not ridden the RS 660, but have ridden both the Tuono 660 and Factory Tuono 660, both were awesome, and had they been a little lower, I would have probably gotten one instead of my Suzuki GSX 8S

[@Viper6-MotoVlogger]

They are very nice bikes and very affordable in their respective category.

[@HippoDrones]

Yup, I think Suzuki has good pricing currently

[@tbonesenior6736]

Fantastic duel video 🎉🎉

[@HippoDrones]

🙂 thanks mate 👍

[@goldilocks913]

Nice video! Lovely lanes 😊

[@HippoDrones]

The countryside around Brighton is quite lovely 🙂👍

[@CalmBiker]

Short legs, small fingers. You are describing me to a tee. 850mm seat is generally way to tall and I end up swinging my feet, unable to touch the ground 😀 The modes thing gets me all the time. I hear people constantly discussing the best settings for each road condition. Are manufacturers no longer able to make a bike that doesn't need 150 options to make it rideable? I'd want a big "OFF" button for the lot. I'm definitely with you on the screen vs naked thing. I've never ridden a bike with a screen that gives better results than no screen. The yellow is definitely the better colour 🙂

[@HippoDrones]

I guess I am used to my Tuareg, which has an 860mm seat height, so it didn't feel as tall... but I def had to slide off the saddle a bit to get a foot down on it, whereas the RE version was an easy reach to the ground for one foot for me, I think that is 825mm. The bikes are all very rideable in the most aggressive mode, but it rides nicer at town speeds in B mode. We don't need mode buttons, but if we have them, and they make a difference, then why not use them... we don't need ABS or TC, or heated grips, or screens, or more than one motorcycle... but it is nice having them! 😀 Yup, screens always seem to have a trade off, gain in weather protection vs an increase in noise/buffeting etc and often interfere with the view ahead if tall.

[@CalmBiker]

@@HippoDrones I feel a video idea coming on 🙂

[@HippoDrones]

@@CalmBiker 🙂👍

[@anthonydonnelly8419]

I think you can learn quite a bit on a short ride. I often know with a mile or so if I want a bike or not. But that is just me.

[@HippoDrones]

You can certainly get a feel for a bike, but I'd still rather have a bit longer if I was thinking about parting with cash if I was able. Saying that, I only had around 30min on the Suzuki GSX-8S when I was looking

[@anthonydonnelly8419]

@@HippoDrones I see your point, I find it hard to get rides much longer than a couple of hours

[@HippoDrones]

@@anthonydonnelly8419 yeah, some dealerships can be a bit tight

[@stevesanelli90]

Interesting I didn’t get a notification of this release 🤔

[@HippoDrones]

KZbin is a funny thing sometimes

[@mvjoshi]

Very nice review. The unbroken switch between the DE and RE was confusing as the difference between the two models could not be understood quickly. Also, the high speed highway running capability of the bike/s would have been valuable in deciding between the two. The DE will be launched in India today 29 Mar 2024 and I shall be going to the dealer in the evening to check out what seems to be a very capable bike indeed. And to visualise the RE in the skin of the DE. For virtually every colleague biker who is looking at the bike as a long distance tourer, perhaps the only turn off feature is the tubed tyre configuration of the DE. Suzuki has a decent presence in India by now and should know better than to launch the DE model instead of the RE, which is a much more practical bike. Just like for Honda and the Transalp 750, I wonder as to how many people in the Suzuki team (that decided upon this model to be exported to India) have ever repaired a tubed tyre puncture in their whole life. I would wager nought, else they would have got the RE instead of the DE and in the process, lured away virtually every single prospective customer of the 750 Transalp. Or, had they been even more sensible, fitted a 21 inch front & 17 inch rear version of the V Strom 650's spokes on a central flange wheels to the DE, giving the best of both worlds.

[@HippoDrones]

Thanks. That is why I added text to show which bike I was on, although the screen and colour of bike were also very different. Sadly as I explained in the video, I just didn't have the bikes for long enough to do a full in depth review of each, so wasn't able to ride them on a highway. My Aprilia Tuareg 660 has tuneless spoked wheels, even the very budget friendly CFNoto 450MT has tubeless spoked wheels, I don't really understand why any manufacturer fits tubed wheels to any bike in modern times.

[@adamwillets1846]

What sort of money is the RE?

[@HippoDrones]

£9700 in the UK new I think, plus on the road charges I assume

[@2W_Adventure]

Respect 🔝 great video if you can please help me, now I'm riding a v-strom 650 XT, I'm wondering if there's a big difference in height, the size of the motorcycle itself between the 650 XT and the 800 re, I'm 182 cm tall and the 650 XT suits me great, and Unfortunately, I haven't seen this one except in the pictures and on the video, so I can't compare specifically. thank you.

[@HippoDrones]

Hi and thanks. Looking online at the specs they both have a similar seat height so if you can manage the 650, then the 800 should be OK too. Hard to tell without your inside leg measurement, mine is 29" and I found the 800RE very easy to manage and even the DE was not a struggle on tarmac to get a toe down at traffic lights etc compared to my Aprilia Tuareg 660.

[@2W_Adventure]

@@HippoDrones thank you for info, my biggest fear is that the 800 re is not a small motorcycle compared to the v stro 650 XT that I don't look big 😁

[@HippoDrones]

@@2W_Adventure they look very similar dimensions in the flesh

[@HippoDrones]

@@2W_Adventure you are quite a bit taller than me too

[@2W_Adventure]

@@HippoDrones ok, respect for info and time , regards 👍🤝

[@Banditmanuk]

I would certainly buy the road oriented bike (simply because road riding is what I do) I once made the mistake of buying a Tiger 800 XC with 21" front and spoke wheels, just couldn't get on with the handling

[@HippoDrones]

Yeah, a 21" front wheel takes some getting used to on tarmac

[@MVDBR]

Nice comparison Pete it was good how you switched from one to the other throughout the video. Cheers 🤘

[@HippoDrones]

I quite like how it came out, I just wish I'd planned on doing it this way from the start, could have made the video shorter and a bit more organised had I prepped better for that. 🙂👍

[@edxr250r]

I test rode an 800RE on Saturday and my observations concur with yours in that the only negative was the buffeting from the screen at >60mph. I note that we are the same height, so no surprise that we both found the same issue. It was a really nice bike to ride with really fun/playful handling, good suspension for the road and a very comfortable seat. I was surprised at how engaging the motor was and how good the quick shifter operated in both directions. Interesting to read Chris Moss's long term review as he's riding an 800RE this year after running a DE last year. I'd have a blue 800RE with fully luggage, hand guards, heated grips and centre stand - perfect😉👍👍

[@HippoDrones]

It is a shame about the buffeting, I wonder if fitting the screen from the DE onto the RE would reduce it any? I've always gone for smaller rather than larger screens when changing them... I guess that is my love of naked bikes coming through 😀 I didn't do it in this test, but on my 8S it makes a huge improvement to the bike by turning off the traction control, it really livens the bike up. I'd be hugely tempted to trade in my Aprilia Tuareg and GSX 8S for an 800DE / 800RE if it came with cruise control, for me that is one of the few must have tech gizmos I need on a distance bike, I have a shoulder injury, so need it for longer runs. Sounds like you have pondered the Suzuki website quite a bit? 😀 You gonna bite the bullet and get one? Some good deals on them currently.

[@theodorstravels]

Do they have an actual key, or they come with the fancy keyfob thing, to recognize that the right person is pressing the start button?

[@HippoDrones]

They both have key ignition :-)

[@MrAusadventure]

Awesome video idea mate! I reckon you'll get some views with this one. Great comparison of the two models, I'd definitely go for the DE and could actually see myself on it as I love the look of it. Yellow or black for me! But yeah, not for trail riding, that's why I have a DRZ! The screen would have to go, just as my 650 screen has been replaced. It looks pretty poor and I reckon my peaked Arai would hate it. Oooh, I do like a bit of girth between my legs! It makes me feel safer! 🤣 Great comparison with great information. I'll be sharing this in my V-Strom groups for sure!

[@HippoDrones]

Cheers Bill, had I been on each bike longer, I'd have probably made two separate videos, but I only had the time I had... and I think this kinda worked out possibly better... at least I hope so 😀 If I had longer legs, I would probably choose the DE too... it is better proportioned, and the yellow is awesome... The RE obviously is a better road only bike, but with some of your roads turning to gravel, the bigger front wheel could be advantageous 🙂 Yeah the screens on both were not ideal for me as a rider, and even less ideal as a motovlogger with the noise and buffeting, so would need to swap them out for something smaller or larger. Hahaha... that girth def made for a very comfy ride 😀 Ahh, thanks mate, appreciated 🙂

[@damien9975]

Funny thing is I think the vstrom 650 parked up there looks better than either of the two vstrom 800's 🙂

[@HippoDrones]

I prefer the new headlights, but we all like different things.

[@mabsbry1318]

Hi. I think you should do some toughish trails on the DE, because you might decide it can do quite well.

[@HippoDrones]

Give me a bike and a damage waiver and I'll happily give it a go!

[@markdurkowski6230]

Great review liked the format , I recently test rode the RE, I’m 6’ 2” and only complaint same as you was the buffeting from the screen .

[@HippoDrones]

Ahh that is interesting, I thought a taller rider than myself would suffer less. Have you tried the DE? That has a shorter screen, might work better for you? and would bolt straight on to a RE

[@markdurkowski6230]

@@HippoDrones Having test ridden the Transalp , ( Didn’t do it for me ) had dose of realism and realised 21 inch front not for me so DE out and I will prob go for RE and have to mess about with screens , interesting idea of trying the DE screen , I hadn’t thought of that although a lot of reviews not happy with DE screen , but would that be same on RE !!!! ? Usual prob .

[@HippoDrones]

@@markdurkowski6230 on my last Moto Guzzi, a V85TT, I had so many issues with wind noise and buffeting, I ended up removing the screen and fitted a tiny thing in its place, meant I was in the wind, but it sorted out the buffeting and wind noise. I've always preferred named bikes for that

[@gianpaolorusconi6653]

Thanks for rewuing both. Cai i ask u how tall are u? im 168 low😅.

[@HippoDrones]

@@gianpaolorusconi6653 My pleasure. I am 5'6" with an inseam of 29" (or 168cm and 73.5cm) so same height as you, but not sure how I compare on inseam

[@gianpaolorusconi6653]

@@HippoDrones ok thanks! i had the First Transalp It was a Little higher like 85cm so i guess i can manage, deal with this Suzuki even better. U are very kind, in going to try this bike on the Road, It Is Always the best answer. Thanks again!

[@HippoDrones]

@@gianpaolorusconi6653 enjoy the demo ride... I ended up buying the black RE bike I test rode!

[@NooBiker]

Nice overview, Pete. Way too many electronic complications for my taste. I'd rather they kept it simpler.

[@HippoDrones]

Cheers NooB... I thought the V-Strom was pretty basic with tech compared to most other bikes these days! 😀Hahaha TBH, I think most folk would put it in TC mode 1 and Engine map A or B and leave it there, but I like the small differences in the maps and how easy it is to adjust them, so it was a nice level of tech for me, only really missing cruise control, which is something I'd ideally want on a distance bike nowadays.

[@NooBiker]

@@HippoDrones Yeah, I'd rather have the cruise control (which I'd use) than loads of power/throttle/TC modes, which I'd adjust once and leave alone.

[@HippoDrones]

@@NooBiker 🙂

[@CampbellZeroOne]

Spring has well and truly sprung down your way Pete. I'm STILL having to get my biking fix by watching KZbin vids. Like that V-Strom DE. It's good value for money. Wouldn't have it over your Aprilia though.

[@HippoDrones]

You'd not say that today, bit stormy it is 😀 but was a lovely day when I recorded this for sure 🙂 It is a lovely bike, if it were 30kg lighter I'd consider it over the Aprilia, but I'd miss the cruise control and would def miss the tubeless wheels if I got a puncture... When bikes like the CFMoto 450MT can have tubeless wheels for well under £6k I do think it is odd that bike manufacturers are even considering tubed wheels anymore.

[@CampbellZeroOne]

@@HippoDrones Yeah. It's bloody annoying that. The Svartpilen and Desert Sled are the same. An extra thing to worry about when you are far from home for sure.

[@HippoDrones]

@@CampbellZeroOne yup

[@stevesanelli90]

Great review of both bikes Hippo! I’d go the RE personally. Touring screen will fix the buffeting. Sold!😉

[@HippoDrones]

Absobloominlutely, a £50 screen would sort both out 🙂👍

[@Land-Shark]

Good first impressions! It was a nice day for it, too. But I'm sure BBM supporters will be after you (Black Bikes Matter). ;) :)

[@HippoDrones]

Haha... I think with a yellow beak and some stick on googly eyes it'd be a great impression of Daffy Duck or Count Ducular 🤣

[@Land-Shark]

@@HippoDrones You're dethpicable.. Oh, that would be stellar! :D

[@HippoDrones]

@@Land-Shark 😁👍

[@iangriffiths9930]

Well, it was a great video but have to admit I’m a little disappointed that you don’t think the DE could handle trails. We do have a lot of gravel up here in wales so it may cope with that better than mud? Although to be fair I don’t know any ADV bike is is good in the mid or wet grass 😁

[@HippoDrones]

It isn't that it can't handle them, it is just that there are better bikes for that use... the Tuareg/T7 both being in that category. I've seen people take big GS 1200s green laning and be fine, but that doesn't mean they are the best bike for it.

[@iangriffiths9930]

Ok we need to have an off road review of the big DE!😁👍

[@HippoDrones]

@@iangriffiths9930 you'll have to grab a demo up at the ABR

[@iangriffiths9930]

@hippodrones sounds like a plan! Will you be going this year??

[@HippoDrones]

@@iangriffiths9930 yes mate, I might see about taking the DE around it, and the CFMoto 450MT... although I hate queing, so I might just drink beer instead! 😀

[@ThatWeldingGamer]

The way you talk about the adventure bikes make me want one

[@HippoDrones]

I've had so much fun over the last couple of years on my Aprilia Tuareg, both on tarmac and the trails.

[@Davidhall10]

don't say the de ain't good offroad when you haven't tried it offroad , from the other videos i've seen its fantastic offroad !!

[@HippoDrones]

I think you are misquoting my intention. There are better bikes for people who want to trail ride an ADV bike. I'm sure in the right hands, it is very capable on a rough trail, but that doesn't mean it is the best tool for the job. I was very smitten with the 800DE and RE, but for me, the DE is a bit heavy for the job.

[@Davidhall10]

@@HippoDrones well at least try it offroad before you judge it.

[@HippoDrones]

@@Davidhall10 maybe you should buddy, I see your only experience of it offroad is from watching other people's videos rather than your own saddle time.. I don't know if you know this, but a review is just a person's opinion, others may differ, go test ride the bike yourself and make your own mind up.

[@Davidhall10]

@@HippoDrones you dont know my experience offroad but from your remarks your obviously full off yourself so cheers ill watch other people who are more informed and can take critism without being rude . i was only trying to help you improve your channel most people who test off road bikes at least go offroad before judgement anyone can ride on the street . ive been riding motorcycles 39yrs pal ,just saying...

[@HippoDrones]

@@Davidhall10 Off you trott then David, you go find a dealership that will let you trail ride their demo bikes and have fun.

[@F3udF1st]

The yellow DE is nice indeed but I'd get the white.

[@HippoDrones]

That is a nice colour option, white bikes get dirty fast though! 😀

[@stoatsngroatsuk5012]

Hi Mate! Nice review of both, I. Looking at the RE coming from a VStrom 650 too, and this has helped a lot. It appears to be an improvement from a 2014 bike, and I’d looked at the Moto Guzzi V7, Transalp, NC750x etc, but this seems to fit the bill. Better for my needs. I’ve bought from OTW when I got my 125cc a couple of years ago, and had a good experience with them. Choices and decisions eh? 😜🙏😀

[@HippoDrones]

Heya, ahh thanks bud 🙂 I was very smitten with the 800RE, only thing really stopping me trading in my GSX 8S for one is the lack of cruise control, as I think a bike like the RE and DE would massively benefit from having it, even if it were a pay for optional extra. OTW is a great store, super friendly staff and a lot of bikes in stock.

[@stoatsngroatsuk5012]

@@HippoDrones cool, thanks for the response! The 8s has cruise? That’s interesting, as it’s pretty much the same mechanicals isn’t it? Mm, maybe the 8s should be pencilled in! I note the 80.Re you rode is advertised with ceramic coating (if not, one very similar) at OTW - I may have to pop along and have a test ride…. 😀🙏

[@HippoDrones]

@@stoatsngroatsuk5012 ahh sorry, no the 8S does not have cc, but it should, as should all ride by wire bikes

[@stoatsngroatsuk5012]

Just to update you, I bought the 800 DE today! Not from OTW, another Suzuki dealer you’ll probably know of in Surrey/Hants area 🙏👍 it’s a lovely ride!

[@HippoDrones]

@@stoatsngroatsuk5012 ahh congratulations, which colour did you go for?

[@MonkeyButtRides]

Ride days are the best, experience something a little different on someone else's dime. I need to do more ride days! LOL QS are nice for sure. Same with cruise control. Love it. Brilliant that they let you turn off ABS on the rear wheel...somebody, somewhere get's it. I think if I were in the market I would lean towards the D model, cause it's yellow and spoked for you know adventures!!

[@HippoDrones]

I do wish it had cruise control... I could be tempted by it if it did!

[@ionescugeorge2003]

​@@HippoDrones you can install aftermarket cruise contro

[@HippoDrones]

@@ionescugeorge2003 yup, £500

[@ionescugeorge2003]

@@HippoDrones Veridian cruise is 241-249£, plus shipping ~12-13€, plus VAT. If you use the bigrockmoto discount code you get 12% off of your order, so tops 232£ with shipping included + VAT. Way cheaper than 500£.

[@HippoDrones]

@@ionescugeorge2003 ahh nice, the kit I saw was £500, good to know there are options 🙂👍